Site of sperm production and testosterone production
Function Of: Epididymis
Where sperm matures and is stored
Function Of: Seminal vesicle, Prostate gland, Cowper's gland
Produce seminal fluid which keeps sperm in an alkaline environment, nourishes the sperm and allows them to swim.
Why are testes found in the scrotum?
To keep the testes less than 37 degrees for sperm production
Function Of: Ovary
To produce eggs(ovas) and to produce the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone
Function Of: Fallopian Tube
Site of fertilisation
What is the male hormone?
Testosterone
What is the function of this male hormone?
It promotes the development of the male primary and secondary characteristics
3 Male secondary characteristics?
1. The enlargement of the larynx and the 'breaking' of the voice
2. Increased muscular development
3. A growth spurt
4. Broadening of the shoulders
5. Increased secretion of sebum
What are the female hormones?
Oestrogen and Progesterone
What are the hormones functions?
Oestrogen: Causes the lining of the uterus to build up, prevents another egg from developing
Progesterone: Causes endometrium at thicken, prevents another egg from developing
What is the menstrual cycle?
A 28 day sequences of events that produces and egg and prepares the body for pregnancy
What happens during the first 1-5 days?
Menstruation and the production of another egg inside a Graafian follicle
What is menstruation?
The shedding of the lining of the uterus
What happens during day 6-14?
The lining of the uterus is built up again to prepare for implantation
What happens on day 14?
The Graafian follicle bursts and an egg is released - ovulation
What is ovulation?
Ovulation is the release of an egg from an ovary
What happens during day 15-28?
The Graafian follicle bursts and is filled with yellow cells. This becomes the Corpus Luteum
What happens on day 22?
The Corpus Luteum begins to disintegrate
What does the disintegration of the Corpus Luteum cause?
It causes the reduction in progesterone. The lack of the hormones means the endometrium is no longer built up.
When is the fertile period?
Day 12-16
What is the fertile period?
The time where a woman is most fertile as
1. Sperm can survive in an uterus for 2 days
2. An egg can last in the uterus for 2 days
What is copulation?
Sexual intercourse
What are the 4 stages of intercourse?
Sexual arousal, copulation, orgasm and insemination
What happens during sexual arousal?
1. The penis becomes erect
2. The vagina becomes lubricated
What happens during copulation?
The penis is inserted into the vagina
What happens during an orgasm?
1. Sperm is released from the penis (ejaculation)
2. The vagina and uterus contract
What is the purpose of contractions in the uterus and vagina?
It should move the sperm from the vagina to the fallopian tube within 5 minute
What is the importance of chemotaxis in sexual intercourse?
If an egg is present it releases a chemicals to attract the sperm
What is fertilisation?
The fusion of an egg and sperm nuclei to form a diploid zygote
What occurs during fertilisation?
1. The acrosome of the sperm releases enzymes that digests the membrane
2.The sperm loses its tail and the head enters the egg.
3. A chemical reaction occurs in the membrane and prevents other sperm from entering
What is implantation?
The embedding of the fertilised egg into the lining of the uterus
When does implantation occur?
6-9 days after fertilisation
What is an amnion?
A membrane that forms around an embryo. It secretes amniotic fluid
Function Of: Amniotic fluid
Acts as a shock absorber
What is a chorion?
An outer membrane that develops aroind an embryo
What is the name for the projections from the chorion?
Chorion villi
Function of: Placenta
Allows nutrients, wastes, gases, antibodies and hormones to be exchanged between the blood of the mother and the embryo
Why must the blood of mother and baby not mix?
1. The blood group of mother and child might not be compatible
2. The blood pressure of the mothers system may cause damage to the embryo
What hormone does the placenta release?
Progesterone
What attaches the embryo to the placenta?
Umbilical cord
What hormones are produced during pregnacy?
Oestrogen and Progesterone. First by the Corpus Luteum for 3 months the the placenta
What does the placenta act like?
An endocrine gland
What causes labour?
A drop in progesterone causes the uterus to contract, the release of oxytocin causes further contractions.
What are the 3 stages of birth?
1. Labour
2. Birth
3. After Birth
What happens during labour?
1.Labour usually lasts around 12 hours.
2.Contractions of the uterus pushes the foetus towards the cervix.
3.This causes the cervix to dilate.
4. The contractions cause the amnion to break ('water breaks')
What happens during birth?
1. Birth usually lasts 20mins to an hour
2. The foetus passes through the cervix and vagina
3. The umbilical cord is cut
4. This leaves a scar that will become the navel (belly button)
What happens during afterbirth?
1. The uterus contracts again
2. The placenta is delivered
What is breastfeeding?
The release of milk from the mammary gland?
What is colostrum?
Milk produced within the first few days that is high in nutritional value and contains essential antibodies.
Why is breastfeeding best?
1. Colostrum and milk provide passive immunity (antibodies)
2. Ideal balance of nutrients for the baby
3. Ideal temperature of milk
4. Easily digestible for child
What is birth control?
Methods used to limit the number of children that are born
What is contraception?
Removing the possiblites of conception
What are mechanical methods of contraception?
Male: Condom
Female: Diaphragms
What are chemical methods of contraception?
Male: Spermicides
Female: Oral contraception
What are surgical methods of contraception?
Male: Cutting/ tying of the sperm duct
Female: Cutting/ tying of the fallopian tubes
1. Persistent use of drugs
2. Abnormalities in sperm production or obstruction of tubes
3. Stress
What are treatments for male infertility?
1. Change of lifestyle
2. Reduce stress
What are female infertility disorders?
1. Blockage of the fallopian tube
2. Endocrine gland failure
What are causes of female infertility?
1. Fragments of the endometrium may be spreading into the fallopian tube
2. Inflammation as a result of infection
What are treatments for female infertility?
1. In-vitro fertilisation (IVF)
What is IVF?
Removing of eggs from the ovary and fertilising them outside the body
What happens in the process of IVF?
1. Fertility drugs are given to stimulate the production of eggs
2. The eggs are collected aswell as sprm
3. The egg and sperm are mixed together in conditions ideal for fertilisation
4. The zygote should becomes a morula the a blastocyst then a embryo